Bishop of Blackburn: 'Church is not homophobic'

3:58pm Saturday 30th June 2012 in News

THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic”.

He was responding to the Vicar of Lancaster, Rev Chris Newlands, who said there was a "glass ceiling" in the church for clerics who backed same-sex marriage.

The reverend, who is in a civil partnership, said others in Blackburn Diocese and the church shared his views but were too scared to speak out.

Bishop Nicholas Reade rejected the claims but confirmed his opposition to same sex marriage and his own conservative views.

Rev Newlands said: "I think the church will remain homophobic, until there is no more discrimination against people.

"People don't want to put their head over the parapet because when they do, they are put down."

The Rt Rev Reade said:”Whilst there may be individuals in the church who are homophobic, I do not believe that the Blackburn Diocese or the Church of England as a whole is institutionally homophobic.

“As a bishop and as a diocese we are very open when it comes to appointments and always seek to appoint on merit. We have incumbent clergy who are in civil partnerships.

“Personally, I take a conservative view on Christian doctrine and morals. Marriage in its essential nature as the lifelong union of a man and woman is a given and not something we are at liberty to re-define.”

Comments (18)

5:55pm Sat 30 Jun 12

Jerome and her son says...

THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic”

Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them."

Now this is from the book they teach, Is the good bishop trying to say that they should not listen to what is written in their good book?.
THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic” Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them." Now this is from the book they teach, Is the good bishop trying to say that they should not listen to what is written in their good book?. Jerome and her son

10:22pm Sat 30 Jun 12

ChiRho says...

Leviticus in in the OLD Testament....check out the NEW Testament.

That's what Christianity is all about, the teachings of Christ. The clue is in the title...
Leviticus in in the OLD Testament....check out the NEW Testament. That's what Christianity is all about, the teachings of Christ. The clue is in the title... ChiRho

11:10pm Sat 30 Jun 12

Not-so-Old Bill says...

Jerome and Son, M Foster, scum like you do not deserve to breathe the same air as everyone else. You are pond life; go back under your stone, and stay there.
Jerome and Son, M Foster, scum like you do not deserve to breathe the same air as everyone else. You are pond life; go back under your stone, and stay there. Not-so-Old Bill

11:58pm Sat 30 Jun 12

Graham Hartley says...

Both Testaments are used in church services and there is no bar of which I am aware against the quotation or study of either Testament.

The Bible is the word of God, it is proclaimed. All of it, one assumes.
Both Testaments are used in church services and there is no bar of which I am aware against the quotation or study of either Testament. The Bible is the word of God, it is proclaimed. All of it, one assumes. Graham Hartley

2:28pm Sun 1 Jul 12

woolywords says...

There is a certain dichotomy here, where you believe the whole books or chose to disregard certain parts of it.

If the elevated clergy choose to disregard parts of it, whom are supposed to be my clerical elders and betters and pontificate, albeit, in the English church extant, am I allowed to do the same?
Ignore those Mosaic commandments that don't suit my venal needs.
I think not.


Why not ask someone round to tea, he's a child abuser...
Leave him alone with your children...
It's OK, he's a man of the cloth.

Where I come from, you are judged by the company that you keep and when the C of E links with a bunch of secretive,
child molesting pederasts, I have to view my association with it.
There is a certain dichotomy here, where you believe the whole books or chose to disregard certain parts of it. If the elevated clergy choose to disregard parts of it, whom are supposed to be my clerical elders and betters and pontificate, albeit, in the English church extant, am I allowed to do the same? Ignore those Mosaic commandments that don't suit my venal needs. I think not. Why not ask someone round to tea, he's a child abuser... Leave him alone with your children... It's OK, he's a man of the cloth. Where I come from, you are judged by the company that you keep and when the C of E links with a bunch of secretive, child molesting pederasts, I have to view my association with it. woolywords

2:39pm Sun 1 Jul 12

woolywords says...

I failed to mention an other thing that I know of, regarding clergy.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, have this lovely picture that they will show you, of the Bishops and Senior Elders. It's all nice haircuts and toothy smiles.
Shame is, not a black face amongst them and when you ask, they are unable to answer.

According to bible, there are limited places in heaven, and the black faces aren't part of it.
Yet they will gladly accept your money to 'convert' your ancestors to Mormon. So nice, I nearly joined the flock.

My Dad had it right, during the 60's, when they knocked on the door, draft dodging bunch of hippocrates. Every time they turned up, he gave £10 to the Jehovahs Witness'. He was a bit strange, my Dad. No idea where I get it from.
I failed to mention an other thing that I know of, regarding clergy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, have this lovely picture that they will show you, of the Bishops and Senior Elders. It's all nice haircuts and toothy smiles. Shame is, not a black face amongst them and when you ask, they are unable to answer. According to bible, there are limited places in heaven, and the black faces aren't part of it. Yet they will gladly accept your money to 'convert' your ancestors to Mormon. So nice, I nearly joined the flock. My Dad had it right, during the 60's, when they knocked on the door, draft dodging bunch of hippocrates. Every time they turned up, he gave £10 to the Jehovahs Witness'. He was a bit strange, my Dad. No idea where I get it from. woolywords

2:40pm Sun 1 Jul 12

BritainfortheBritish says...

I am absolutely sick of hearing about homosexuality etc .We now have policies about it at work and what we can and cannot say in case it causes offence .
Believe it or not we are not all enthused by the thought of 2 men together and many find it sickening . This is not homophobia it is nature . Even the soaps are full of gayness now .It,s like it is being forced upon us .
2 men and 2 women getting wed is not !!!! normal. And never will be . If they do want to be normal why are there special policies for them and why the gay pride parades ???
I believe in live and let live but we are not getting that when we are constantly seeing homosexuality .
I am absolutely sick of hearing about homosexuality etc .We now have policies about it at work and what we can and cannot say in case it causes offence . Believe it or not we are not all enthused by the thought of 2 men together and many find it sickening . This is not homophobia it is nature . Even the soaps are full of gayness now .It,s like it is being forced upon us . 2 men and 2 women getting wed is not !!!! normal. And never will be . If they do want to be normal why are there special policies for them and why the gay pride parades ??? I believe in live and let live but we are not getting that when we are constantly seeing homosexuality . BritainfortheBritish

3:01pm Sun 1 Jul 12

kim says...

The Bible was writen by man to control man.
The Bible was writen by man to control man. kim

4:12pm Sun 1 Jul 12

Ian123xyz says...

Anyone is entitled to be "homophobic"(for whatever reason?) provided they don't break the law or are unduly offensive.

The worry arises when people attempt to use their religious position to influence the *civil* law. Especially when that law will not affect them personally or their religious beliefs. Some religions oppose the consumption of pork and alcohol, but as far as I know they are not campaigning for the consumption of pork or alcohol to be banned. Provided they are able to adhere to their beliefs without imposing upon others there should be no problem.
Anyone is entitled to be "homophobic"(for whatever reason?) provided they don't break the law or are unduly offensive. The worry arises when people attempt to use their religious position to influence the *civil* law. Especially when that law will not affect them personally or their religious beliefs. Some religions oppose the consumption of pork and alcohol, but as far as I know they are not campaigning for the consumption of pork or alcohol to be banned. Provided they are able to adhere to their beliefs without imposing upon others there should be no problem. Ian123xyz

4:47pm Sun 1 Jul 12

juanbbien says...

Why not abolish all religion and the we can all have some peace.
Why not abolish all religion and the we can all have some peace. juanbbien

8:23pm Sun 1 Jul 12

Scooby says...

Jerome and her son wrote:
THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic”

Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them."

Now this is from the book they teach, Is the good bishop trying to say that they should not listen to what is written in their good book?.
Yes, the church should indeed listen to the bible explicity..

Ladies - you have to stay silent - "I permit no woman to teach or have authority over men; she is to keep silent." Timothy 2:11

We can sort out the budget deficit by shutting down the NHS - "The prayer of faith shall save him that is sick" James 5:14

Stay away from the zoo - "Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me." 1 Kings 20:36

Thieves to be burnt at the stake - "The one who has stolen will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has" Joshua 7:15

Need I go on? The Bible's full of comments which can be interpreted or ignored as it suits someone's argument, my argument being that it's full of rubbish.
[quote][p][bold]Jerome and her son[/bold] wrote: THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic” Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them." Now this is from the book they teach, Is the good bishop trying to say that they should not listen to what is written in their good book?.[/p][/quote]Yes, the church should indeed listen to the bible explicity.. Ladies - you have to stay silent - "I permit no woman to teach or have authority over men; she is to keep silent." Timothy 2:11 We can sort out the budget deficit by shutting down the NHS - "The prayer of faith shall save him that is sick" James 5:14 Stay away from the zoo - "Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me." 1 Kings 20:36 Thieves to be burnt at the stake - "The one who has stolen will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has" Joshua 7:15 Need I go on? The Bible's full of comments which can be interpreted or ignored as it suits someone's argument, my argument being that it's full of rubbish. Scooby

8:42pm Sun 1 Jul 12

123Jon123 says...

Homophobia is Gay!
Homophobia is Gay! 123Jon123

8:54pm Sun 1 Jul 12

Graham Hartley says...

The Reverend Reade remarks that (he does) 'not believe that the Blackburn Diocese or the Church of England as a whole is institutionally homophobic.' He appears at least either careful, carefree or careless in omitting to proclaim what he does believe. In an irreligious context, belief is subject to matter-of-fact testing but when a person proclaims belief (or its absence) from a position of religious authority then there is more to consider if one is to understand the claim.

Whatever it is that Reverend Reade believes or does not believe, what puzzles one is the distance between the Diocesan and the Biblical positions, as shown in correspondence from Scooby and others above.
The Reverend Reade remarks that (he does) 'not believe that the Blackburn Diocese or the Church of England as a whole is institutionally homophobic.' He appears at least either careful, carefree or careless in omitting to proclaim what he does believe. In an irreligious context, belief is subject to matter-of-fact testing but when a person proclaims belief (or its absence) from a position of religious authority then there is more to consider if one is to understand the claim. Whatever it is that Reverend Reade believes or does not believe, what puzzles one is the distance between the Diocesan and the Biblical positions, as shown in correspondence from Scooby and others above. Graham Hartley

9:12pm Sun 1 Jul 12

sen c ble says...

Scooby wrote:
Jerome and her son wrote:
THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic”

Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them."

Now this is from the book they teach, Is the good bishop trying to say that they should not listen to what is written in their good book?.
Yes, the church should indeed listen to the bible explicity..

Ladies - you have to stay silent - "I permit no woman to teach or have authority over men; she is to keep silent." Timothy 2:11

We can sort out the budget deficit by shutting down the NHS - "The prayer of faith shall save him that is sick" James 5:14

Stay away from the zoo - "Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me." 1 Kings 20:36

Thieves to be burnt at the stake - "The one who has stolen will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has" Joshua 7:15

Need I go on? The Bible's full of comments which can be interpreted or ignored as it suits someone's argument, my argument being that it's full of rubbish.
...and who wrote the bible, Jesus?
[quote][p][bold]Scooby[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Jerome and her son[/bold] wrote: THE Bishop of Blackburn has denied that the Church of England or his Lancashire diocese are “institutionally homophobic” Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them." Now this is from the book they teach, Is the good bishop trying to say that they should not listen to what is written in their good book?.[/p][/quote]Yes, the church should indeed listen to the bible explicity.. Ladies - you have to stay silent - "I permit no woman to teach or have authority over men; she is to keep silent." Timothy 2:11 We can sort out the budget deficit by shutting down the NHS - "The prayer of faith shall save him that is sick" James 5:14 Stay away from the zoo - "Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me." 1 Kings 20:36 Thieves to be burnt at the stake - "The one who has stolen will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has" Joshua 7:15 Need I go on? The Bible's full of comments which can be interpreted or ignored as it suits someone's argument, my argument being that it's full of rubbish.[/p][/quote]...and who wrote the bible, Jesus? sen c ble

9:48pm Sun 1 Jul 12

Graham Hartley says...

Yes, in one word. But consider that He wrote in His capacity as One of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And further, it is proclaimed that man is made in His image; if one understands therefrom that man is a copy of Jesus and the other members of the Trinity, then if a man wrote the Bible then it was written by Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit; forgive me, a man, as you would forgive Jesus, if my capitalisation is incorrect.
Yes, in one word. But consider that He wrote in His capacity as One of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And further, it is proclaimed that man is made in His image; if one understands therefrom that man is a copy of Jesus and the other members of the Trinity, then if a man wrote the Bible then it was written by Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit; forgive me, a man, as you would forgive Jesus, if my capitalisation is incorrect. Graham Hartley

10:34pm Sun 1 Jul 12

sen c ble says...

Graham Hartley wrote:
Yes, in one word. But consider that He wrote in His capacity as One of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And further, it is proclaimed that man is made in His image; if one understands therefrom that man is a copy of Jesus and the other members of the Trinity, then if a man wrote the Bible then it was written by Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit; forgive me, a man, as you would forgive Jesus, if my capitalisation is incorrect.
Why then dispute and reject the contents, as from some posts!
[quote][p][bold]Graham Hartley[/bold] wrote: Yes, in one word. But consider that He wrote in His capacity as One of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And further, it is proclaimed that man is made in His image; if one understands therefrom that man is a copy of Jesus and the other members of the Trinity, then if a man wrote the Bible then it was written by Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit; forgive me, a man, as you would forgive Jesus, if my capitalisation is incorrect.[/p][/quote]Why then dispute and reject the contents, as from some posts! sen c ble

10:50pm Sun 1 Jul 12

Enlightened Patriot says...

Ian123xyz - "Some religions oppose the consumption of pork and alcohol, but as far as I know they are not campaigning for the consumption of pork or alcohol to be banned'

Not quite true, this country is falling over backwards not to `offend' them by, for example, by banning pork. bacon, sausage, etc, in London schools - 85 out of 90 in one area - and at least one university considered banning alcohol by closing the bar for the same reasons.

Some might not mind these things happening but I do. People who come here should respect OUR laws, regulations and customs (as we have to do in theirs) and not seek to change them to their own ends. As areas of sharia law increase in the UK, this will become much more the case.

http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/news/article-
2160534/A-ban-banger
s-Hundreds-school-pu
pils-denied-pork-rel
igious-reasons.html?
ito=feeds-newsxml

http://www.jihadwatc
h.org/2008/09/uk-mus
lims-try-to-get-alco
hol-banned-at-local-
supermarket.html
Ian123xyz - "Some religions oppose the consumption of pork and alcohol, but as far as I know they are not campaigning for the consumption of pork or alcohol to be banned' Not quite true, this country is falling over backwards not to `offend' them by, for example, by banning pork. bacon, sausage, etc, in London schools - 85 out of 90 in one area - and at least one university considered banning alcohol by closing the bar for the same reasons. Some might not mind these things happening but I do. People who come here should respect OUR laws, regulations and customs (as we have to do in theirs) and not seek to change them to their own ends. As areas of sharia law increase in the UK, this will become much more the case. http://www.dailymail .co.uk/news/article- 2160534/A-ban-banger s-Hundreds-school-pu pils-denied-pork-rel igious-reasons.html? ito=feeds-newsxml http://www.jihadwatc h.org/2008/09/uk-mus lims-try-to-get-alco hol-banned-at-local- supermarket.html Enlightened Patriot

11:02pm Sun 1 Jul 12

Graham Hartley says...

sen c ble wrote:
Graham Hartley wrote:
Yes, in one word. But consider that He wrote in His capacity as One of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And further, it is proclaimed that man is made in His image; if one understands therefrom that man is a copy of Jesus and the other members of the Trinity, then if a man wrote the Bible then it was written by Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit; forgive me, a man, as you would forgive Jesus, if my capitalisation is incorrect.
Why then dispute and reject the contents, as from some posts!
Because I am not infallible, or because I am at once a (hum)an and a (comedi)an? Innit.
[quote][p][bold]sen c ble[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Graham Hartley[/bold] wrote: Yes, in one word. But consider that He wrote in His capacity as One of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And further, it is proclaimed that man is made in His image; if one understands therefrom that man is a copy of Jesus and the other members of the Trinity, then if a man wrote the Bible then it was written by Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit; forgive me, a man, as you would forgive Jesus, if my capitalisation is incorrect.[/p][/quote]Why then dispute and reject the contents, as from some posts![/p][/quote]Because I am not infallible, or because I am at once a (hum)an and a (comedi)an? Innit. Graham Hartley

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